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  • Legacy Lexicon
New book “Squandered: How Not to Succumb to the Third-Generation Curse” puts the spotlight on the risks and pitfalls of family succession... 06 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Squandered Legacies

Squandered Wealth: New Book Explores Third-Generation Curse

Long-Term Care (LTC) is expensive, unpredictable and often prolonged. The projected “great wealth transfer” may therefore become far more concentrated among families who are wealthy enough to absorb years of care costs without exhausting their assets. 05 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

US Long-Term Care Costs ‘Eating into’ Family Wealth

23 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Law Reform

New US Tax Laws That Could Impact What Your Heirs Receive

The spousal rollover applies differently across property types. Understanding how this rule functions and knowing exactly when an executor should strategically elect out of it is one of the most vital components of estate planning.  30 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Tax-Smart Strategies

Understanding How “Spousal Rollover” Works in Canada

Worried a beneficiary will blow —or even just simply mismanage— their inheritance? Ontario wills can include spendthrift trusts with staggered distributions and trustee control. This article explains the main options... 30 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Squandered Legacies

Worried Their Inheritance May Do ‘More Harm Than Good’?

Find out how to shield your family from financial shock. Review the Canada Estate Tax Rules 2026 carefully to maximize family wealth preservation. 04 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Tax-Smart Strategies

Canada Estate Tax Rules 2026: Exemptions & Key Strategies

Just received a large inheritance in Canada? Avoid the emotional decisions that turn a windfall into a cautionary tale, with this "7-Step Money Plan Before You Touch a Dollar (2026)" 03 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Before You Spend Your Inheritance: 7-Step Plan for Canadians

Dealing with the GSTT can be complex and confusing. With proper planning, the GST exemption provides opportunities to reduce or potentially eliminate the transfer taxes associated with gifting or passing money to younger generations. 12 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Legacy Lexicon

Understanding The Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT)

In estate planning, people often seek strategies to safeguard their wealth. One such approach is the “Estate Freeze”. This strategy effectively locks in the current value of an estate, minimizes tax implications, and ensures a seamless transfer of assets. 28 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Tax-Smart Strategies

Strategies to Safeguard Wealth: “Estate Freeze” Explained

From fine art to classic cars and comic books, collectibles often require special tax, philanthropy and legacy considerations, says Scotia Wealth Management’s Robyn McCallum... 02 Dec
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Unique Assets & Interests

Passion Assets: Recognizing the Full Value of Art & Collectibles

If you’ve ever wondered whether your executor is prepared, whether your business could run without you, or whether your family is set up for clarity instead of conflict, this conversation will hit home. 24 Nov
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Canadian Wealth Secrets Podcast: “Why Your Will Is Not Enough”

An estate tax is levied on the deceased's estate, while an inheritance tax is paid by heirs subject to the tax (spouses are usually exempt). Over a dozen states currently impose estate or inheritance taxes. Find out where you’ll have to pay... 24 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Tax-Smart Strategies

2025 Update: States with Scary Estate & Inheritance Taxes

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Recent:

A will is intended to provide clear instructions about the distribution of a person’s property after death. But what happens when an important clause is missing? This recent Ontario court case is a useful reminder of the difficulties that can arise...

What Happens When a Will is Missing an Important Clause?

In many cases, an executor’s first instinct is not to call a lawyer. It is to ask Google. The problem? Google can provide thousands of answers, many of which are incomplete, inaccurate, or based on another jurisdiction. Executors need practical guidance tailored to the particular estate they are administering.

Cautionary Guidance for Executors: Google at Your Own Risk!

Many people hear “executor” and think it means reading the will and writing a few checks. In reality, executors can face personal liability. Find out exactly what you're agreeing to, before you agree...

Agreeing To Serve As Executor: Not As Simple As It Sounds

Holograph wills and codicils are often viewed as a simple and inexpensive way to record testamentary wishes. Ironically, the very simplicity that makes holograph codicils attractive can also make them extraordinarily vulnerable...

Ontario Case Study: The Hidden Risks of a DIY Codicil

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